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Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Driving Directions

Located in southeast Springfield just west of Highway 65 off the James River Freeway (Highway 60). Follow brown direction signs to the center.

Highlights

Outside - explore 79 acres of habitat including forest, glade, woodland, prairie plantings, creeks, and frontage on Lake Springfield. Eat a sack lunch in the covered pavilion. Hike nearly three miles of trails; there are six of them varying in length from 0.2 miles to two miles. Some trails are paved and stroller-friendly. View wildlife including deer, turkey, foxes, mink, muskrat, turtles, frogs, insects, and more than 170 species of birds.

Inside - experience the multi-sensory, self-guided exhibit area. Attend one of the many public programs, guided hikes, special events, workshops, or videos offered at the Nature Center.

About This Area

·The Springfield Conservation Nature Center TRAILS will be CLOSEDSaturday, December 10, through Monday, December 12, for a managed archery deer hunt. The nature center building will be open Saturday from 8am-5pm. For more information, call 417/888-4237.

Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.

Visitors must remain on trails at all times.

Running/jogging is discouraged and limited to posted times only to help reduce conflicts between the primary trail user (educational use and nature exploration) and those moving more quickly. Running hours - Weekdays - 6AM to 9AM, 2PM to 5PM Saturdays 6AM - Noon. No group running/jogging allowed.

Self-Guided displays interpret the natural communities found on the 79-acre area. Temporary photography and artwork displays are exhibited monthly.

Highlighted Activities

Special events are held annually including Eagle Days during winter, Native Plant Sale and Seminar during spring, Insect-O-Rama during August, a Halloween-style event in October, and others. General public programs are offered monthly and advertised in a bimonthly newsletter.

Hiking

A total of 3 miles of hiking trails are available on the area. The trail system connects with more trails operated by Ozark Greenways and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Contact Ozark Greenways for additional information.

A geocache site is located on the area. Visit Nature's Best for more information.

Other

The building features a nature gift shop and an information desk. Hunting, fishing, and trapping permits are sold here and free publications are available.

Tours

Guided tours are available from a smart phone by scanning a QR code on a trail sign or by visiting the tour site. Audio tour, photos, captions, and videos are included. Cell phone users can access audio tour by calling 417/520-1168.

Tours

Guided tours and programs are available free-of-charge to organized groups with at least a two week advanced notice. Call the Nature Center at (417)888-4237 to schedule.

Pavilion includes restrooms, drinking fountains, and a soda machine. This area is suitable for sack lunch picnics. Nearby Living Memorial Park, located on Nature Center Way 1/2 mile from nature center, has picnic facilities.

Privy/Restroomaccessible

2

Viewing Blind

Photo Blind

1

Viewing Blind is located at the end of the Photo Blind Trail on Lake Springfield.

Viewing Deck/Tower

3

Three viewing decks/platforms are located on the trails. One on the Boardwalk Trail, one on Sycamore Cut-Off, and one on the Galloway Creek Section of the Long Trail.

Visitor Centeraccessible

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

1

The nature center features interpretive exhibits, a 147-seat auditorium, two classrooms, an information desk, and a gift shop.

Limestone glade with typical glade species like prickly pear cactus, treleases delphinium, rose verbena, calamint, and gum bumelia. This area is managed by removing eastern red cedar and exotic species.

Spring

1

1141.22 # gallons per day

A small spring and losing stream are located on the area. The Long Trail passes by both of these karst features.

Stream - Intermittent

1

0.06 miles

Stream - Permanent

1

0.12 miles

The stream flows into a sink hole and flows intermittently beyond that.

Stream - Permanent

Galloway Creek

1

0.25 miles

Galloway Creek flows from Sequiota Spring, located in nearby Sequiota Park on Lone Pine. The Galloway Creek Section of the Long Trail passes along the creek. Prothonotary warblers nest along this creek.